Traditional Coupon Sources
Some of the best coupons are often found in more traditional sources such as flyers, newspapers, and coupon books. Pick through your “junk mail” and newspaper on a daily or weekly basis for occasional coupons that can save you a great deal of money. You may also find coupons in your local phone book. Check inside the front or back cover or in a center insert. Some phone books even have an entire coupon section. These coupons are often quite valuable, so collect as many as you can. Many of your friends and family members may be willing to let you use their coupons if you ask. This means you may have more than one of any given coupon, and sometimes they can be stacked. Read the terms and conditions on each coupon to learn if they can be combined.
Coupon books are still very popular. These come in two forms: large coupon books that are often purchased through fundraisers and smaller coupon booklets specific to certain stores. If you truly love to use coupons, purchasing a coupon book is a great way to save money. And often these coupons can be combined with those from retailer coupon books for even greater savings. Many stores offer their own coupons books, either for free or for a small fee, including K-Mart and Walgreens. Check your favorite stores for details on how and when these coupons can be used.
Online Coupons
The Internet is an excellent place to locate coupons that can be used at most retailers. Many sites exist that allow you to either order coupons that will be mailed to your home or print coupons on your own printer. You shouldn’t have to pay money for these coupons, so don’t get them from online auction sites. Instead, visit legitimate sites such as SmartSource.com. Other sites can be located by entering “free coupons” or “printable coupons” into most search engines.
Before heading to the store, make sure your coupons have a bar code, expiry date, and the manufacturer’s address (for the retailer to remit the coupon for compensation). If your coupons don’t have these things, assume that they’re not valid. In the case of coupons you print at home, don’t cut them out. Make sure you’ve printed the URL of the webpage across the top or bottom of the sheet. Most store managers will recognize the URL of legitimate sites and will be more likely to accept your coupons.
If you are a fan of certain products, try visiting the company website. Often you can sign up for a newsletter or mailing that will enable to receive coupons on a regular basis. These coupons might be mailed to you or made available on the Internet. Either way, you’ll be able to save money on your favorite brands. Another benefit to obtaining your coupons directly from the manufacturer is that they’re often of more value than other coupons. Coupons that offer $5.00 or even $10.00 off a particular item are not unheard of. Many companies offer coupons and samples, such as Procter and Gamble. A quick Internet search will reveal even more possibilities.
Coupons can be found everywhere, from the inside cover of a phone book to your e-mail inbox. These coupons can save you a great deal of money over the course of the year. If you’re interested in maximizing your savings, keep your eyes open for new opportunities to obtain valuable coupons.
